Key Concepts in the Constitution

Republican form of government

The Constitution established the United States as a
republic in which power ultimately is in the hands of
the people and is exercised by their elected
representatives. The Republic was not a democracy in
the modern sense, however. The framers of the
Constitution, many reluctantly, accepted slavery.
There were property qualifications for voting, and
some states denied the right to vote to religious
minorities. Women did not get to vote in the national
elections until 1920 (Nineteenth Amendment). The
original draft of the Constitution did not include
protection of basic civil liberties.

The organization of government

The government's functions are divided among three
branches: the legislative branch that makes the laws
(Congress), the executive branch that carries out the
laws (president), and the judicial branch that interprets
the laws (courts). This division is known as
the separation of powers. In addition, under the
system of checks and balances, the powers of one
branch of government are limited by the powers given
to another branch. Congress makes laws, but the
president can veto legislation. Congress can override a
president's veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses
(a check on a check). While the president appoints

judges to the Supreme Court, the Senate can reject an

appointee through its power to give "advice and
consent."

The federal system

Federalism means the division of power between the
national government and the states. The Constitution
does not clearly define, however, the areas in which
these powers are exercised. Keeping in mind that the
framers were determined to strengthen the national
government, it is not surprising that the powers
belonging to the states were left vague.